, for the moment we have all been waiting for -- >> reporter: first lady michelle obama gave the oscars a jolt of excitement and a huge surprise, when she appeared from the white house to announce the night's biggest prize, best picture. >> and the oscar goes to "argo." >> reporter: it was an especially sweet victory for ben affleck, who wasn't nominated for directing the hostage thriller. "life of pi" based on the best-selling novel, about a boy at sea, won best director for ang lee. >> thank you, academy. >> reporter: he played one of the greatest presidents in history. and lincoln's leading man, daniel day-lewis, made history of his own, becoming the first male actor to win three oscars. >> so grateful to the academy for this beautiful honor. >> reporter: she took a tumble heading to the stage. but everyone else was on their feet when "silver lining playbook's" jennifer lawrence won best actress. host seth macfarlane struck a cheeky tone, securing stars and poking fun at himself. >> seth macfarlane, worst oscar host? it's that bad? >> reporter: music was the theme of the night. and the show
